Rooney, who played for DC United between 2018 and 2019, stepped down as manager of Derby County last month, ending a tumultuous 17-month spell in which the English club were marred by financial problems and were relegated to the third tier. Rooney has been in talks with the MLS club for weeks, according to reports on Sunday, and will replace interim coach Chad Ashton, who took over after Hernan Losada left in April. DC United are second from bottom in the Eastern Conference with 17 points from 17 matches. They were beaten 7-0 by Philadelphia Union in their last game. Image: Wayne Rooney speaking at his first DC United press conference as manager “I’ve seen a few articles back in England about it potentially being a step backwards in my coaching career,” Rooney said at the unveiling press conference. “I really find it a bit disrespectful to this league. “I feel like the experience I’ve had at Derby County over the last 18 months has been great for my development as a manager, as a coach. And coming here, back in MLS, to DC United has been an exciting challenge for me. something that can develop me as a coach but also [help] the team needs to improve. “I really believe with my ability to develop players, young players – and of course we are working hard to bring in some new players – we can really get this club back on a successful path again. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, but that’s what I’m here to do and really improve the team.” “Wayne is a football legend and one of the most exciting and dynamic up-and-coming managers in our sport. He has already proven in his young coaching career that he knows how to lead a team through adversity,” said Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan. , co-chairs of DC United. “He understands our league and what it takes to be successful in Major League Soccer thanks to his two years with us as a player. The passion he showed wearing the Black and Red electrified our city and club and we are so excited to welcome him back as our manager.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Wayne Rooney landed in Washington before returning to DC United as manager Rooney scored 253 goals for Manchester United and won five Premier League titles and the Champions League with the club. He joined Derby in a player-manager capacity in 2020 before being appointed manager the following year. More to come…